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Twins reinstate Hicks from DL, promote Parmelee

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Hicks shaken up 2:46

5/1/14: Aaron Hicks is injured after running back on a triple by Scott Van Slyke, leaving the game an inning later

By Rhett Bollinger
/
MLB.com |

DETROIT -- The Twins reinstated outfielder Aaron Hicks from the seven-day concussion disabled list and promoted first baseman/outfielder Chris Parmelee from Triple-A Rochester, the club announced before Friday's game against the Tigers.

The moves came after the Twins optioned catcher/outfielder Chris Herrmann and shortstop Pedro Florimon to Rochester on Wednesday. Both made their return to the lineup, as Hicks started in center field and batted eighth, while Parmelee started in right field and hit seventh. Eduardo Nunez, who was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Thursday with outfielder Sam Fuld being placed on the seven-day concussion DL, started at designated hitter.

"We were getting pretty thin," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We also have Nunez now for a full day. We actually have a bench and three outfielders in the outfield, which is a good thing."

Hicks sustained a concussion on May 1 against the Dodgers in the second game of a split-doubleheader, when he crashed into the center-field wall in the sixth inning. Friday was the first day he was eligible to return. He said he was able to start taking batting practice on Wednesday after the concussion symptoms began to subside.

"I had it for about three days, but by the fourth day, I was feeling better," said Hicks, who said he suffered from fogginess. "From then on it was all about getting better and getting ready to play in games."

The contract of Parmelee was selected from Triple-A, as he was outrighted off the 40-man roster by the Twins in late March and had to be added back on the roster. In 32 games with the Red Wings, Parmelee hit .305/.378/.542 with seven doubles, seven home runs and 23 RBIs.

"I was staying aggressive at the plate," Parmelee said. "Sometimes, I thought I would get too passive on a pitch that was good enough to hit. Sometimes, I'd wait for a pitch I wanted in an exact spot instead of trying to hit a pitch I could still drive. So, I just tried to keep the aggressiveness up at the plate and my confidence up."

In order to clear a spot for Parmelee on the 40-man roster, the Twins designated Double-A outfielder Kenny Wilson for assignment. Minnesota claimed Wilson off waivers from Toronto on April 24. Wilson played in 11 games at New Britain, hitting .195/.327/.268 with three doubles and three stolen bases.